Indie rock artist stays in tune with side projects, solo career

By John Benson

The Dayton musician will perform with his new band but remains proud of past Ohio music.

Since forming Guided by Voices a quarter of a century ago, Dayton’s Robert Pollard has maintained his status as prolific elder statesman of the indie rock scene with well over a thousand songs to his credit. This is despite the fact he’s never really enjoyed a hit single. Even though Guided by Voices called it quits in 2004, Pollard, 50, remains active with various other side projects and his solo career. The latter includes his latest album, “Robert Pollard is Off to Business.”

Despite having officially retired from touring a few years ago, the former elementary school teacher-turned-underground rock hero — known to chug beer after beer during his live shows — returns to the concert stage this fall with his new outfit, Boston Spaceships, which also features drummer John Moen (Decemberists) and bassist Chris Slusarenko (Guided By Voices). The outfit makes its Cleveland debut in support of its recently released first album, “Brown Submarine,” Friday at the Grog Shop.

The Vindicator caught up with Pollard recently via e-mail (appropriately; he was too busy recording in the studio for a phone interview) to discuss the new band, the legacy of Guided By Voices and Buckeye rock.

Q. With so many side projects to your credit, why start Boston Spaceships?

A. I really liked the results on this record. It sounded younger from a mental perspective. I thought it would translate well into a live setting, especially smaller clubs. It rocks. I can be fatuous and juvenile again. We already have the second (album) in the can. I just gave Chris (Slusarenko) the acoustic demos for the third one. That’s the aim: three albums a year, like The Beatles.

Q. Set-wise, what can fans expect from the Boston Spaceships’ upcoming tour?

A. We’ll do my two new albums “Brown Submarine” and “Robert Pollard Is Off to Business” in their entirety. Some side project stuff and probably about eight or nine old Guided By Voices songs ... more obscure songs, (like) stuff from (box sets) “Suitcase 1” and “Suitcase 2.”

Q. Speaking of Guided By Voices, what do you think the band’s legacy is?

A. Do it yourself, for yourself. Have fun. Make an impact. Inspire everyone to do it. Even if everyone can’t, don’t not do it because you can’t get a record contract. Do it for the sheer joy of making records. That’s what Guided by Voices did. Play live for three hours and drink a lot of beer while you do it. Or don’t.

Q. What is your opinion of the Cleveland music scene?

A. I don’t know what’s going on now, but at one point, Cleveland music was my inspiration. Along with what was also going on in Akron. From the mid ’70s all the way up to the early ’90s with The Mice, Death of Samantha and what have you. I’m very proud of Ohio music from the last 30 years and proud to be a part of it. We’ve always had great shows in Cleveland. The small clubs are fun to play.

Q. Finally, why should Pollard fans come out to the upcoming Grog Shop show?

A. I might keep the microphone on the stand so I can drink more beer — two-fisted.